Agile vs waterfall methodology: which one is the best for you?

What are the most important aspects in a project?

Every project can be summarized in two key words: planning and management. However, the most important element in any project is its outcome.

No matter which agile methodology is used, the final result is the yardstick for all the work done. It is therefore essential for a company to find the approach that is most in line with the company's organisation and production requirements.

That's why today Appvizer will analyse two different methodologies for you and compare them.

Then it is up to you to choose which one fits your company best.

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Waterfall methodology

What is the waterfall model?

Origins

The waterfall model, designed in 1970 by Royce, was the first publicly documented product life cycle model. The waterfall model is a popular version of the systems development life cycle model at the heart of software engineering.

Definition

The waterfall process was the first process model to be introduced. It also refers to a linear/sequential product life cycle model. It is very simple to understand and use. In a waterfall approach, each phase must be fully completed before the next phase can begin. This type of product development model is basically used for a small project or one with certain requirements.

At the end of each phase, a review takes place to determine whether the project is on the right track or needs to be corrected.

Advantages and disadvantages of the waterfall methodology

Advantages

• Definition of a clear structure. The waterfall methodology is based on a precise and defined set of phases. Teams must complete an entire phase before moving on to the next one. So if obstacles to a successful project arise, they are easily identified at an early stage.
• The working model of the Waterfall method is intuitive and does not require any specific certification or training for project managers or other staff.
• Establish final goals in advance. One of the characteristics of the Waterfall method is that the objective set in the final phase is respected. Teams work from the outset with the end goal in mind.
• Accurate transfer of information. The Waterfall method is by definition methodical, so the accurate transfer of information from one phase to the next is one of the pillars of this method.

Disadvantages

• Difficulties in making changes. The methodology, in its most traditional version, does not allow for sudden or last minute changes or modifications. A sudden change in the project guidelines could undo much of the work you have done up to that point, with a consequent impact on deadlines.
• Exclusion of the client or end user. As an internal process, the Waterfall methodology excludes the end user or client involved in a project. Clients often prefer to be involved in the evolution of a project, adding opinions and clarifying what they want.
• Testing phase at the end of the project. Leaving the testing phase at the end is highly risky. The project is likely to have taken time and energy away from the team before being completed, so last minute changes may jeopardize the success of the project.

The Agile methodology

Origins

The agile philosophy began to appear in the 1990s in software development and development projects in general.

But it was in 2001 in Utah, when a group of software developers came up with the agile methodology as an answer to the rigidity of traditional approaches.

Over the years, several agile frameworks have been developed, such as :

• Scrum
• Extreme programming
• DSDM
• Lean software development
• Crystal

These sometimes share specific agile tools such as the Kanban board, burn up or burndown charts… to help at each step of the project.

Definition

The agile methodology is a set of activities and practices that make the management of a process more flexible. Overall, its main characteristic is that it allows the project manager and team members to follow current priorities throughout the different phases and adapt their work accordingly. Thus, in case of blocking elements is still possible to adjust priorities or activities.

The 4 principles of the agile methodology

1. Individuals and interactions instead of processes and tools
2. Performing software rather than excessive documentation
3. Collaboration with the client is preferred to contract negotiations
4. Being responsive to change rather than sticking strictly to a work plan

Advantages and disadvantages of the agile approach

Advantages

The Agile methodology has countless advantages. The most important are:

• greater flexibility
• better customer relations
• continuous collaboration between partners
• sustainable development
• increase in quality through an exponential reduction in errors
• better compliance with deadlines
• better visibility of project progress

Disadvantages

The Agile methodology has, however, a few disadvantages:

• Need to present extremely clear objectives
• A working strategy that is not in line with more traditional mentalities
• Difficulty in clearly establishing costs, time and resources at the beginning of the project
• Difficulty in keeping track of progress because the agile methodology is based on a system of increments.

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Comparison of the two methods